Gluten-free | No added sugars | Makes one 8x8 pan | Serves: 9-12
These brownies do not taste like a compromise. The caramelized banana and baked sweet potato do the work that sugar usually does — with the added benefit of fiber, potassium, and beta-carotene. Hemp seeds and coconut provide healthy fat and complete protein. The dark chocolate is not optional.
THE BASE
2 small organic sweet potatoes, baked until soft
THE STOVETOP CARAMEL
2 whole bananas, sliced
2 tablespoons coconut oil
2 teaspoons cinnamon
THE FATS & PROTEIN
1/2 cup creamy almond butter
2 large eggs
THE DRY STRUCTURE
1 cup almond flour
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
THE SUPERFOODS
1/2 cup unsweetened coconut shreds
1/4 cup hemp seeds
LEAVENING & FINISHING
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon Saltverk, plus extra for topping
Dark chocolate chips — generous
METHOD
1. Preheat oven to 350F. Prick the sweet potatoes and bake until completely soft, 45-60 minutes. Peel and drop the warm flesh directly into a stand mixer bowl.
2. While the potatoes finish, heat 2 tablespoons coconut oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced bananas and cinnamon. Sear until golden brown and bubbling on both sides, 3-5 minutes. These are the primary sweetener.
3. Add the caramelized bananas and any remaining oil from the pan into the mixer with the sweet potatoes. Add almond butter, eggs, almond flour, cocoa powder, coconut shreds, hemp seeds, baking soda, and salt. Mix on medium-low until fully combined and the batter is thick and uniform.
4. Remove the bowl from the mixer and fold in the dark chocolate chips by hand.
5. Spread into a parchment-lined 8x8 inch baking pan. Smooth the top. Sprinkle a generous pinch of Saltverk flakes over the surface.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the center is set and a toothpick comes out mostly clean.
7. Because this recipe uses whole vegetables and fruit for structure, allow to cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes before slicing. The brownies firm up as they cool.
Store in an airtight glass container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. These improve on day two.